Latest news with #ShaneKelly
BBC News
2 days ago
- Science
- BBC News
Armagh Observatory: 230 years of unbroken weather recordings
Armagh Observatory is marking a very special meteorological milestone as the institute celebrates 230 years of continuous weather unbroken tradition of handwritten data makes it the longest sequence of continuous weather information gathered anywhere in the UK and are being held at Armagh Observatory on Monday to mark the significant most weather data is gathered only by automated weather stations, but not in Armagh, where the human touch remains. The first handwritten recording was made on the evening of 14 July 1795, when a measurement of the temperature and air pressure was recorded on a graph at the observatory that sits above the city of measurement was repeated the next day and every subsequent day for the next 230 Kelly is currently the principal meteorological observer at the observatory. Since 1999, his role involves opening what is known as the Stevenson screen which holds sensitive thermometers, before noting down his readings for the day into the handwritten hand has entered far more lines of data than any of his 17 predecessors. "You're kind of ingrained in the infrastructure almost," says Shane. "The observatory is astronomy, it is also meteorology, and after many years I feel like I'm part of the brickwork."After taking readings in Armagh for 25 years, Shane says he has noticed changes in the pattern of our weather."The seasons aren't quite as clearly cut as they used to be," he explained. "We're kind of running into one long season with two days of snow here and a few days of sun there." The 230-year span of weather data in Armagh begins at the point when the science of meteorology was in its in 1795, it predates by eight years the publication of Luke Howard's the Essay on the Modification of influential book set out the naming system for clouds which, with a few modifications, is still used the observers in Armagh have left their own mark on the development of the records contain mentions of major aurora events and some of the first recorded observations of noctilucent clouds which are such a feature of clear summer nights in the north of entry for the 6 January 1839, describes a "tremendous gale in the night".A rather understated description of a storm reported to have killed between 250 and 300 1908, when pensions were introduced for the over 70s in Ireland, memory of Oíche na Gaoithe Móire (the Night of the Big Wind), was used as a qualifying question for people without birth may also have prompted the third director of the observatory - Romney Robinson - to develop a device for accurately measuring wind speed - the four cup anemometer. Dr Rok Nežič, who is the tours and outreach officer at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, said there were ways to measure wind speed before the four cup anemometer, "but they weren't very accurate"."Robinson thought of a device that could catch wind from any direction," said Dr Nežič, who is also a trained weather observer."There have only been small changes since the invention back in 1845, but we still use it today. "From Armagh - taken around the world." The widow remembered as an 'unsung hero' The unbroken sequence of data recorded in Armagh has largely been written by men, but it was only maintained thanks to one remarkable 1917, Theresa Hardcastle arrived in Armagh from England with her husband Joseph had been appointed as the next director of the observatory and Theresa had arrived to oversee repairs to the house they were to he could travel to join her, Joseph fell ill and in Armagh, Theresa continued to make and record the daily weather Moon, from the observatory and planetarium describes Theresa as the "unsung hero" of the Armagh story."Nobody would have expected her to do that," she said. "That wasn't her role at all. She is such a key detail in this." Today, many of the weather observers that Shane Kelly has trained come from all over the the current observatory director Professor Michael Burton, the hands on gathering of weather data is an important part of the training process for PhD students based in Armagh."The process of measurement itself is the heart of science," he said."But it's not a simple process. And the process of getting hands on - of getting dirty with the data - is a key part in understanding what's out there."Measuring the weather actually teaches you a lot about science… It helps you understand your data."That important role in training the scientists and astronomers of the future means that Armagh's human connection to the weather of the past looks set to continue for many years to come.
CBC
4 days ago
- CBC
'An outstanding human being': Cyclist dies after hit-and-run during charity training ride
Social Sharing One of two cyclists who were seriously injured in Prince George on Monday while training for the Cops for Cancer charity event has died, according to police. A statement from the Prince George RCMP says Shane Kelly succumbed to his injuries on Thursday. Mounties said Monday that the injured cyclists were an RCMP officer and a community member, later confirmed to be Kelly. "Shane was an outstanding human being," said Karin Piche, a friend and fellow cyclist in the north-central B.C. city. "He made everyone feel special." His death was announced the same day yet another rider was hospitalized following a vehicle incident Friday, and has prompted calls for improved safety conditions for riders and pedestrians in the north-central B.C. city. "It's something that we think about every time that we get on our bike, right, whether we're going to come home," Piche said. "There's so many people questioning whether they want to continue to ride." 1 arrested following search Cops for Cancer is an annual riding event that pairs civilian riders with RCMP officers to raise funds for cancer research. The two cyclists were riding on the side of the road, training for the event, when they were struck in a residential neighbourhood near the intersection of Ospika Boulevard North and McRae Avenue around 9 a.m. Monday. Witnesses to the aftermath of Monday's incident described debris scattered across the road, including a mirror from the vehicle that struck them. A police search followed, which included a helicopter, and one man was taken into custody. The RCMP officer was also seriously injured, police say. 'A great leader' Piche said Kelly was an active supporter of multiple cycling-based events, many of which supported charitable organizations, and described him as "a great leader." In a written statement, Prince George Mayor Simon Yu said, "This tragedy has deeply impacted our community," especially as it happened as Kelly was training for yet another fundraising effort. His commitment to helping others reflects the best of our community spirit," Yu said in the statement. B.C. Public Safety Minister Garry Begg also weighed in, writing that Kelly "leaves behind a legacy of volunteerism, having participated in other cancer-related fundraising efforts." Laura Nelson with Cops for Cancer wrote, "We are all heartbroken by this news. Shane was a caring and enthusiastic team builder from the very beginning." "Shane's teammates are devastated by the loss of one of their own in such tragic circumstances. We offer our sincere condolences and unwavering support to Shane's family and friends." Calls for improved safety as 3rd cyclist hospitalized Piche said the incident had also highlighted the dangers presented by cycling, noting that Kelly was an experienced rider who used safety equipment, and that he and the other rider were on the side of the road when they were struck. Many riders she has talked to this week, she said, had decided to start training indoors over safety concerns. Those fears were underscored by the news that yet another biker was hospitalized Friday, this time a 17-year-old who was riding just outside the downtown core. Police say the youth was taken to hospital with "serious injuries" after being struck near the intersection of Winnipeg and 11th Ave at around 9 a.m. Friday. The driver in that case remained on the scene and was co-operating with investigators, the RCMP said. The incidents come just as the city launches a review of its active transportation plan, which it describes as an effort to make it easier and safer for people to get around the community on modes of transportation other than vehicles, including cycling, walking and newer e-scooters and bikes. As part of the initiative, the city has asked people to contribute to an online map highlighting problem areas where they have been made to feel unsafe. As of Friday afternoon, it is dotted with dozens of notes with participants sharing close calls or tragic incidents they've witnessed or experienced. Piche said she hopes the week's tragedies will make more people think about the rules of the road and the changes needed to improve safety for everyone in the community. "I think this incident could bring to light the need for change," she said. Investigation ongoing Meanwhile, police continue to investigate the hit-and-run that resulted in Kelly's death. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who was in the area and may have video surveillance or dashcam footage of the vehicle's driving behaviour before and after the incident is asked to call the Prince George RCMP non-emergency number at 250-561-3300. Those with condolences or well-wishes are being asked to bring them to the Prince George RCMP detachment at 455 Victoria Street, which will be passed along to the family when they are ready to receive them.
Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- Globe and Mail
Cyclist dies after hit-and-run crash while training for B.C. cancer fundraiser
One of two cyclists who was struck in a hit and run earlier this week in Prince George, B.C., has died of his injuries. Mounties say Shane Kelly was a 'community rider' who had been training with an officer from the detachment for the Cops for Cancer Tour de North fundraiser. Police said in an earlier news release that the pair were hit near a city intersection at 9 a.m. on Monday and the driver didn't stay at the scene. Both cyclists were found on the side of the road and brought to hospital with serious injuries, while police say a suspect vehicle was found nearby and a man was taken into custody. The Mounties say Kelly — who was a 'proud supporter' of fundraising events — died Thursday. They say the investigation is ongoing and police are still looking to speak with witnesses or anyone who may have dash camera footage of the area around the time of the crash. Police have not released the status of the Mountie who was hit alongside Kelly. The police statement says the detachment is 'heartbroken' by the news of Kelly's death, calling him 'a caring and enthusiastic team builder' who was 'driven by a deep commitment to making a difference for children with cancer.' 'Shane's family is taking time to grieve privately and has requested space during this difficult period,' it says.
CBC
4 days ago
- CBC
Cyclist training for Cops for Cancer dies after hit-and-run in Prince George, B.C.
One of two cyclists who were seriously injured in Prince George on Monday while training for the Cops for Cancer charity event has died, according to police. A statement from the Prince George RCMP says Shane Kelly succumbed to his injuries on Thursday. The two cyclists were riding on the side of the road when they were struck near the intersection of Ospika Boulevard North and McRae Avenue around 9 a.m. Monday. The statement says Kelly was a proud supporter of the Cops for Cancer Tour de North ride and had previously supported other Canadian Cancer Society fundraising events such as Relay for Life. "We are all heartbroken by this news. Shane was a caring and enthusiastic team builder from the very beginning," said Laura Nelson with Cops for Cancer. "Shane's teammates are devastated by the loss of one of their own in such tragic circumstances. We offer our sincere condolences and unwavering support to Shane's family and friends." Kelly was riding with an RCMP officer, who remains injured. Police say the investigation is ongoing. At the time, Mounties said they located a suspect vehicle and took a man into custody. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who was in the area and may have video surveillance or dashcam footage of the vehicle's driving behaviour before and after the incident is asked to call the Prince George RCMP non-emergency number at 250-561-3300. Those with condolences or well-wishes are being asked to bring them to the Prince George RCMP detachment at 455 Victoria Street, which will be passed along to the family when they are ready to receive them. "Shane's family is taking time to grieve privately and has requested space during this difficult period.... Your kindness and support are greatly appreciated," states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, the media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP.
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Cyclist struck while training with Mountie for B.C. fundraiser dies of injuries
PRINCE GEORGE – One of two cyclists who was struck in a hit and run earlier this week in Prince George, B.C., has died of his injuries. Mounties say Shane Kelly was a 'community rider' who had been training with an officer from the detachment for the Cops for Cancer Tour de North fundraiser. Police said in an earlier news release that the pair were hit near a city intersection at 9 a.m. on Monday and the driver didn't stay at the scene. Both cyclists were found on the side of the road and brought to hospital with serious injuries, while police say a suspect vehicle was found nearby and a man was taken into custody. The Mounties say Kelly — who was a 'proud supporter' of fundraising events — died Thursday. They say the investigation is ongoing and police are still looking to speak with witnesses or anyone who may have dash camera footage of the area around the time of the crash. Police have not released the status of the Mountie who was hit alongside Kelly. The police statement says the detachment is 'heartbroken' by the news of Kelly's death, calling him 'a caring and enthusiastic team builder' who was 'driven by a deep commitment to making a difference for children with cancer.' Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. 'Shane's family is taking time to grieve privately and has requested space during this difficult period,' it says. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 11, 2025.
